Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Till November 7 To Open Defence Or Forfeit His Right

The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 7, 2025, to open his defence or risk forfeiting his right to do so.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the warning on Wednesday after Kanu, once again, declined to enter his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

During the proceedings, Kanu maintained his long-held position that the current charges lack legal validity. He told the court that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) under which he is being tried had been repealed, and therefore no longer forms a valid legal basis for prosecution.

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“I cannot put in a defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that,” Kanu told the court.

Rather than responding to the directive to proceed with his defence, Kanu focused his time addressing the court on why the trial itself cannot stand. He cited the December 2023 Supreme Court ruling, which, according to him, explicitly ordered the Federal Government to amend the existing charge, an order he said has been ignored to date.

“The refusal to amend the charge as ordered by the Supreme Court is fatal to this trial,” he argued.

At one point, Kanu indicated a willingness to proceed with his defence but requested time to consult with four legal consultants: Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.

In response, Justice Omotosho urged him once again to seek guidance from legal professionals well-versed in criminal law, stating that the court was prepared to grant him one final opportunity in the interest of justice.

Earlier, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had asked the court to hold firm to its directive that Kanu must open his defence or waive the right to do so.

Despite the prosecution’s request, Justice Omotosho granted the IPOB leader another chance, emphasising fairness to both the defendant and the nation.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, November 7, 2025, for either the commencement of defence or a declaration that Kanu has waived his right.

Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya. His trial continues to generate significant national and international attention amid growing legal and human rights concerns.